General

Why should you join Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club?

Surf Life Saving is about satisfaction, having fun, being physically fit, learning teamwork and aquatic safety skills, competing in surf sports, and helping make surfing a safer pastime.

SLSA can offer a range of opportunities which will promote:

A healthy lifestyle

A sense of pride

A sense of responsibility and purpose

Positive social relationships

There is a place for everyone in Surf Lifesaving. If you are unable to perform the duties of an active surf lifesaver, then perhaps assistance in the administration, communications or fundraising areas is for you.

Who can join SLSA?

Membership of SLSA is open to anybody, regardless of age, race, religion or sex.

What do I have to do to be a surf lifesaver?

The Bronze Medallion is the minimum requirement for an active surf lifesaver. To obtain this award you must be over the age of 15 and demonstrate proficiency in surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue procedures, emergency care plus anatomy and physiology.

Before commencing training for the Bronze Medallion you will be required to complete a 400-metre swim in nine minutes or less, in a swimming pool of no less than 25m, or over a measured open water course. Once this has been completed, all clubs provide qualified instructors who will train you to the level of a proficient surf lifesaver.

At the completion of your training, which will take a couple of months, your physical fitness will be tested by a run-swim-run (a 200m run followed by a 200m swim and then another 200m run) which has to be completed in under eight minutes. You will also be examined on theory, basic resuscitation and first aid and participate in a simulated rescue situation using a rescue board and tube.

All these skills combine to train you to be an effective member of a patrol team.

Are there any other ways I can join SLSA without doing a Bronze Medallion?

Yes. SLSA offers a wide range of awards to its members and the community.

By gaining basic awards in radio operations, for example, you can assist with patrol observation and communication duties without having to perform water-based rescues. Alternatively, you could obtain qualifications in First Aid and/or Resuscitation and assist the patrol in this area.

If you are less than 15 years of age you can obtain a Surf Rescue Certificate. Probationary surf lifesavers can achieve this award from the age of 13. The award trains candidates in rescue skills, first aid and patient management, resuscitation, plus a theoretical component exploring safety knowledge and surf awareness.

If you are looking for a way to entertain your children during the summer season then why don’t you join them up in our Nippers program. The Sawtell Junior Activities Program is for children aged between 5 and 14 years and provides basic surf skills

Membership Categories

Membership Categories and the applicable fees can be found on the ‘Fees’ page.

NB: While we do have paper forms (see next tab), online applications/renewals are preferred (as members themselves have better control of their own records including spelling etc. and it lightens the load for our volunteers who have to process them).

Please note the following additional requirements:

Allnew members must provide proof of I.D. to the Club before membership can be accepted/processed.

Nippers are required to complete an annual proficiency pool swim before participating in the Nippers program. This is normally done on Registration Day at Sawtell Pool (or by special arrangement).

Some Senior Members who work in child related roles (e.g. Coaches, Age Managers etc.) may also need to participate in the “Working with Children Check”. Click here for further information:

Working with Children Check:

Some Senior Members who work in child related roles (e.g. Coaches, Age Managers etc.) may also need to participate in the “Working with Children Check”. Click on the link for further information:

SLSA Members Portal

The SLSA Members Portal provides access to the following services and information:

Submit a news item

Renewal of club membership

Check awards and patrol hours

Download a Circular

View job adverts

Read local and national surf lifesaving news

Apply for a Service Award

General Safety Information for All Members

Surf Life Saving Clubs across the country are dedicated to the safety of all its members. Specific policies exist for various functions and activities, however General Safety information is provided here: Member Safety